Friday, Nov. 21, 2008

Zdunek bows out as Modesto Symphony CEO

Heads south to The Orchestras of Pasadena

Paul Zdunek has resigned as president and chief executive officer of the Modesto Symphony Orchestra to direct The Orchestras of Pasadena. His final date in Modesto has not been set but he is in Pasadena now and will likely move back and forth between the two cities for a month, Zdunek said Friday.

The Pasadena organization is a bigger operation with a budget of $5.3 million. The Modesto orchestra’s budget is $1.2 million.

Zdunek, 41, who has been with the Modesto orchestra five years, said he was interested in working with the financially troubled Pasadena organization because he enjoys crisis management. He helped lead the State Theatre and the Modesto orchestra out of budget problems. He said he will be sad to leave the Modesto board and the musicians.

"Modesto has been incredible," he said. "From the time I interviewed, I felt the energy; I felt the creative juices there and the willingness to support really interesting relevant programs. Five years later if anything that’s increased."

Bev Finley, former chairwoman of the Modesto Symphony Orchestra board, will serve as interim chief executive officer while the orchestra searches for a replacement. Duties include working with the board, programming next season and managing the budget. This season’s programming is already scheduled so orchestra patrons should see no changes.